A microfluidic biochip for locally confined stimulation of cells within an epithelial monolayer.

ABSTRACT: A key factor determining the fate of individual cells within an epithelium is the unique microenvironment that surrounds each cell. It regulates location-dependent differentiation into specific cellular sub-types, but, on the other hand, a disturbed microenvironment can promote malignant transformation of epithelial cells leading to cancer formation. Here, we present a tool based on a microfluidic biochip that enables novel research approaches by providing a means to control the basolateral microenvironment of a confined number of neighbouring cells within an epithelial monolayer. Through isolated single pores in a thin membrane carrying the epithelial cell layer only cells above the pores are stimulated by solutes. The very thin design of the biochip (<75 μm) enabled us to apply a high-re

SUBMITTER: Thuenauer R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5830875 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature